Walked into CarMax dreading the usual dealership pressure and instead got a relaxed, transparent experience. The price on the windshield was the price, full stop, and the salesperson let me take my time without hovering. Drove home in a certified used SUV that's been flawless. Exactly how car buying should be.
True no-haggle pricing, no pressure
CarMax had the exact model I wanted, just at a store across the state. The transfer process was smooth, but the fee to bring the car to my local branch was higher than I expected, and it's non-refundable if you don't buy. The car was great in the end; just budget for those extras.
Huge nationwide inventory
Pricey non-refundable transfer fee
The certified used car I bought from CarMax has been reliable and the buying process was genuinely pressure-free. What left me torn was the in-house financing rate, which was a fair bit higher than my credit union offered. I'm glad I shopped around for the loan; on the car itself, no regrets.
Reliable certified car, easy process
Financing rate higher than outside lenders
What sold me on CarMax was the money-back guarantee, and I actually used it. The first car developed a noise I didn't love, so I returned it within the window with zero hassle and swapped for another that's been perfect ever since. Being able to buy used without fear is worth a lot.
Hassle-free return guarantee, great second car
I went to CarMax expecting their famous fair appraisal but the trade-in quote for my well-maintained sedan was hundreds below what I sold it for privately a week later. The buying side may be no-haggle, but the appraisal felt deliberately conservative. Disappointing for a company that markets fairness so heavily.
Low trade-in appraisal